Robert D. Hitch, PE

Robert Hitch earned his baccalaureate degree in civil engineering from Michigan Tech in 1954. Following graduation, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and returned to Michigan Tech for graduate study in civil engineering. He earned his masters degree in civil engineering in 1956 and served as an instructor from 1957 through 1960 teaching in the area of structural analysis and design.

In 1960, he joined Yalmer Mattila Contracting of Houghton and became Chief Engineer and Vice President. During his eighteen years with Mattila Contracting, Bob was involved in the construction of many Michigan Tech buildings including the Noblet Forestry Building and Daniell Heights.

He founded Hitch Incorporated in 1978 and built the firm into one of the most successful civil and architectural engineering consulting firms in the Upper Peninsula. Under his leadership as President, the firm has gained a reputation for thoughtful, innovative engineering in all aspects of design and construction. He has been active as an engineering practitioner in education and served as an Adjunct Lecturer in civil engineering at Michigan Tech, teaching airport design.

In 1995, Robert became Chief Executive Officer of the firm concentrating on corporate planning and project quality control. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor and holds membership in the National Society of Professional Engineers and Michigan Society of Registered Land Surveyors. He is also a member of the Executive Council for the Michigan Tech Civil and Environmental Engineering "Partnering with the Future" Campaign. Robert and his wife, Caroline, have four daughters and reside in Hancock.

From 1996 Induction to the Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy